EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern Director of Swimming and Diving Jeremy Kipp has announced that Colin Murphy will transfer to join the Wildcats after spending two years at Virginia Tech. Murphy is immediately eligible and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
"The Northwestern swimming and diving program is excited to have Colin join the Wildcat Family and we expect him to make an immediate impact," said Kipp. "Colin's passion for swimming and his commitment to the pursuit of improvement are qualities that we value at Northwestern. We are happy to add his blend of talent, enthusiasm and character to our program."
"I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Northwestern swimming and diving program and the Wildcat community," said Murphy. "After seeing the state-of-the-art facilities, meeting the coaching staff and members of the team, and connecting with the support system in academic services, I couldn't resist. I knew that there would be a future here for me as a Wildcat and I am thrilled."
Murphy qualified for three ACC Championship events last season in which he recorded personal best times for each event. He recorded times in five events during the 2017-18 campaign, all in long distance events.
As a first year at VT, Murphy swam a 21.65 in the final leg of the 200 free relay that placed the Hokies third against Notre Dame and Pitt. He swam the second fastest time with a 4:28.30 in the 500 free at the Virginia Tech Invitational. The Woodlands, Texas, native posted a top-10 finish in the 1000 free with a time of 9:37.77 against Notre Dame and Pitt.
Before beginning his collegiate career, Murphy qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in the 1500 freestyle. He was a four-time state champion in the 500 free for Woodlands Christian Academy and was the 2014 Junior National Champion in the 1500 free.
"The Northwestern swimming and diving program is excited to have Colin join the Wildcat Family and we expect him to make an immediate impact," said Kipp. "Colin's passion for swimming and his commitment to the pursuit of improvement are qualities that we value at Northwestern. We are happy to add his blend of talent, enthusiasm and character to our program."
"I'm beyond excited for the opportunity to be a part of the Northwestern swimming and diving program and the Wildcat community," said Murphy. "After seeing the state-of-the-art facilities, meeting the coaching staff and members of the team, and connecting with the support system in academic services, I couldn't resist. I knew that there would be a future here for me as a Wildcat and I am thrilled."
Murphy qualified for three ACC Championship events last season in which he recorded personal best times for each event. He recorded times in five events during the 2017-18 campaign, all in long distance events.
As a first year at VT, Murphy swam a 21.65 in the final leg of the 200 free relay that placed the Hokies third against Notre Dame and Pitt. He swam the second fastest time with a 4:28.30 in the 500 free at the Virginia Tech Invitational. The Woodlands, Texas, native posted a top-10 finish in the 1000 free with a time of 9:37.77 against Notre Dame and Pitt.
Before beginning his collegiate career, Murphy qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in the 1500 freestyle. He was a four-time state champion in the 500 free for Woodlands Christian Academy and was the 2014 Junior National Champion in the 1500 free.